Australian-> FAA license conversion

[phoenix7227]

Hi,

I'm just looking into converting my Australian (ICAO) license over to a FAA license and am wondering what's involved with the conversion itself and then on further to get a job on something like a Barron, cheiftain or something similar.

Thanks alot for your help.

Phoenix

[Tinstaafl]

As long as you exclude the institutional stupidy that masquerades as 'security concerns' converting to an FAA licence is generally piss easy. A little less so for CPL --> CPL - due to the required handling manouvres not required in Oz - perhaps but certainly the case for PPL --> PPL & ATPL --> ATP.

I did ATPL to ATP-MEL in the mid/late 90's, & then added ATP-SEL & SES in '04 . What I found:

You'll need to do the ATP theory exam. Multiple choice, **ALL** questions in the database available courtesy of the Freedom of Information law(s) (not the correct answer though - hence the next step...).

Easiest way to study is to buy one or more of the various texts that are published by Gleim, Jeppessen & ASA. They have ALL exam questions + the publisher's idea of the correct answer (they all agree so it's not just opinion), along with the relevent explanation of why their answer is correct.

Book your exam with just about any flying school. Do exam - and pass easily. It's very, very simple compared to Oz.

Do a medical appropriate to the level of licence your after. Nearest analogy to is is: Class 3 for PVT, Class 2 for CHTR/AWK type ops, Class 1 for RPT.

If converting 'like for like' then there's no requirement for an instructor or Chief Instructor recommendation - at least that was the case for ATPL. Find an examiner & book your flight test. IF you fail then you will require an instructor recommendation for a subsequent test.

I **STRONGLY** recommend you fly with an instructor anyway. The system here *is* different. Lots of traps for the unwary eg the US doesn't use PANS-OPS ie ICAO's procedures for IFR, they use their own TERPS requirements. Lots of other differences too.

That being said, once you're familiar with the system it's very, very, very easy to operate within.

[weasil]

tinstaafl as usual a very informative response. This is all good information.

[OhForSure]

Anyone know whether the new Aussie Visa is making getting a job any easier?

[zakpeegoodus]

I converted my Aussie CPL to a Yankee ATP last month.

You need:
1,500 total
100 night
75 instrument.

The very first step is to have your Australian License verified by TSA. You need to fill out their on line form, send a copy of your license, $100 and wait a couple of months. They will send you a letter saying your Australian license is valid - you then have 6 months to turn up in the States before the letter expires.
Because of security concerns, you cannot book into a flight school before your license is verified by TSA.

I did the written exam, a couple of flights, then a flight test with
www.atpflightschool.com
They were a production line outfit, they get you in the door and out as quick as possible - but that suited me.

The written exam is a joke. I hadn't looked at a book for years, I went in cold to the one day study session, and passed the exam that evening...

The flight test is about the standard of an Aussie IFR renewal - made easier with all the vectors you get here.

The Aussie CPL to FAA CPL conversion is actually more involved that the CPL to ATP. Wait until you have the time for the FAA APT if you do not have so already. The FAA CPL will be all but useless to you, it won't get you a job inside the states if you don't have a greencard - where as the FAA ATP is useful in countries outside the States. Aviation is booming here in the States compared to Australia, although the locals will tell you otherwise...but without a work visa, it's tricky...I'm still here knocking on doors...maybe a waste of time, but who knows...

-You may as well do the higher class medical, as the lower ones cost the same anyhow...at least they did in the clinic where I went...

Say "Hi" to the Horries for me!

[NZLeardriver]

For an ATP you will not need to get a TSA clearance. If you do training for an instrument rating or PPL or CPL then they consider that to be greatly increasing your skills so you do need clearance. However an ATP is proving skills that you already have, so no TSA clearance needed.

[Honky Tonk]

My wife and I are hoping to head to the U.S next year She has dual citizenship.

I will have by then about 2700 TT and 700 multi PIC. I have a U.S consulate interview this september and then if all goes will I will be off to the states in Feb.

I have an ATPL and will be looking for a place to convert my licence.

zakpeegoodus. Could you please post the link to the online form you refer to.

What are the job opportunities like in the states? I have been doing my research online and have suscribed to climbto350.com . I have a stack of companies in my favourites that I meet there minimums so I will start applying to them when my Visa Checks out. I can only try.

What advise can anyone give to a new starter in the states.

i.e from there experience Who's Good/ Dodgey pay well. Allow to be home most nights. Have quick progression to Command etc.

I am looking for a city to live in similiar on size to brisbane Any Ideas.
I am in the Torres strait at the moment so I don't want to shock the system to much by going and living in say New York City.

Thanks for your help
Honky

[zakpeegoodus]

Hi Honky,

www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/foreign_license_verification/index.cfm?print=go

- I don't see you having much problem finding work with your experience and correct paperwork in hand...

I think Florida would be a good place to start - seems a busy place for aviation....

Good luck.

[0tter1]

If you have the paperwork, a US licence and are ready to be paid not much then come on down to south florida. Lots of aviation down here. Very much like the top end of Aus, have to be in the right place at the right time.
I have been here a year and am on my seccond job.
Cheers.
0tter1

P.S anyone coming over bring me some VB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No I'm serious!!

[zakpeegoodus]

Hey otter 1,

Did I meet you at Fort Laurderdale airport a couple of months back? We were talking about seaplanes?

[Raba1998]

Hey all. I was wounderting what is the ATPL Frozen they talk about in your part of the world.

Rabah

[Tinstaafl]

I strongly suspect you haven't tried the search function available within these forums, Raba. Your question has been answered many, many times.